Timed Up And Go Test Time Research Articles

Risk of Falling after Femoral Nerve Block for Total Knee Arthroplasty: Periprosthetic Fractures—A Serious Concern

Objective: Femoral nerve block (FNB) is a popular, minimally invasive postoperative pain management procedure followingtotal knee arthroplasty (TKA). Prolonged motor blockade has been associated with increased risk of fall. The primary objective of the present study was therefore, to evaluate the risk of falling or near falling for FNB in patients who underwent TKA. Materials and methods: After Institutional Review Board approval, prospective cohort (142) of patients was randomized into two groups: the intervention (FNB as an adjunct to analgesia) vs the control (standard treatment) at our hospital for unilateral primary conventional TKA. The risk of falling as assessed using Tinetti Gait and Balance Instrument and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test was evaluated on the day of hospital discharge, and 1, 2, and 3 months after TKA. All data were collected and critically analyzed and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Patients in FNB group displayed significant low visual analog scale (VAS) scores than control (p < 0.05). Thirty-seven patients (26.05%) reported falls in the 3 months after surgery. Patients who received FNB following TKA experienced an expected significant worsening of physical function and had increased risk of falling as evaluated by TUG test and Tinetti Gait and Balance Instrument (p < 0.05). Due to unexpected fall, eight patients (28.57%) in FNB group sustained periprosthetic fractures and two patients (22.2%) in control group had opening of arthrotomy. At 3 months, 55 patients in FNB group had reported postoperative neuritis. Significant delay in rehabilitation and early ambulation in patients received FNB, which in turn increases the risk of prolonged hospitalization (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The Tinetti and gait index and TUG test time showed increased risk of fall for the patients who received FNB owing to substantial functional deficits.

Hyponatremia, Cognitive Function, and Mobility in an Outpatient Heart Failure Population.

BackgroundThe association of hyponatremia with cognitive impairment and mobility in heart failure (HF) patients is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine if hyponatremia is associated with cognitive and mobility impairment as measured by simple, validated, and time-sensitive tests.Material/MethodsThis was a prospective study in patients with reduced and preserved ejection fraction (HFrEF, HFpEF) seen in outpatient HF clinics. Hyponatremia was defined as sodium level ≤136 mEq/L. Cognitive function was measured using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) tool, and mobility was measured with the Timed Up and Go test (TUG-t).ResultsA total of 121 patients were evaluated; 30% were hyponatremic (134±1.9 mEq/l, range 128–136 mEq/l). Overall, 92% of hyponatremic patients had cognitive impairment (MoCA <26) compared to 76% of the non-hyponatremic patients [relative risk 1.2 (confidence interval: 1.02–1.4, p=0.02)]. In regard to mobility, 72% of hyponatremic patients and 62% of non-hyponatremic patients (p=0.4) had TUG-t times that were considered to be worse than average. A total of 84% (N=76) of HFrEF and 71% (N=22) of HFpEF patients had cognitive impairment (p=0.86). HFrEF patients had significantly lower overall MoCA scores (21.2±3.7 vs. 23.3±3.6, p=0.006) and similar TUG-t times compared to HFpEF patients.ConclusionsMost heart failure patients (HFrEF and HFpEF) seen in an ambulatory setting had impairment of cognitive function and mobility, with a higher prevalence among those with hyponatremia. Screening can be done using tests that can be administered in a clinical setting.

Effects of coordination and manipulation therapy for patients with Parkinson disease

Purpose: To determine the effects of a new exercise training regimen, i.e. coordination and manipulation therapy (CMT), on motor, balance, and cardiac functions in patients with Parkinson disease (PD). Materials and methods: We divided 36 PD patients into the CMT (n = 22) and control (n = 14) groups. The patients in the CMT group performed dry-land swimming (imitation of the breaststroke) and paraspinal muscle stretching for 30 min/workday for 1 year. The control subjects did not exercise regularly. The same medication regimen was maintained in both groups during the study. Clinical characteristics, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) scores, Berg balance scale (BBS) scores, mechanical balance measurements, timed up and go (TUG) test, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were compared at 0 (baseline), 6, and 12 months. Biochemical test results were compared at 0 and 12 months. The primary outcome was motor ability. The secondary outcome was cardiac function. Results: In the CMT group, UPDRS scores significantly improved, TUG test time and step number significantly decreased, BBS scores significantly increased, and most mechanical balance measurements significantly improved after 1 year of regular exercise therapy (all p < 0.05). In the control group, UPDRS scores significantly deteriorated, TUG test time and step number significantly increased, BBS scores significantly decreased, and most mechanical balance measurements significantly worsened after 1 year (all P < 0.05). LVEF improved in the CMT group only (P = 0.01). Conclusions: This preliminary study suggests that CMT effectively improved mobility disorder, balance, and cardiac function in PD patients over a 1-year period.

Fast-track equivalent to traditional cardiac rehabilitation? Pilot study outcome

The exercise dose required to achieve benefits from cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is unknown and benefits may be independent of exercise supervision frequency. This randomized pilot study examined equivalence in two CR models, hypothesizing ≤10% difference between models. Subjects undertook 6 weeks of supervised low-/moderate-intensity exercise training. Fast-track (n = 25) included once-weekly exercise sessions and a one-off 7 h education session. Traditional (n = 36) included twice-weekly exercise and education sessions. Six-Minute Walk Test distance (6MWD), Timed Up and Go test time (TUGTT), Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) score and secondary outcomes were assessed pre-CR, post-CR and 6 months post-CR. Attendance was 100%, 79% and 82%, respectively. Missing data were imputed using last-observation-carried-forward methodology. Although intention-to-treat analysis found minimal between-group differences [7 m, p = 0.76 (6MWD); 0.27 s, p = 0.35 (TUGTT); and 14.6, p = 0.09 (DASS-21)] and similar proportions of subjects achieved a minimal clinically important difference and predicted values for 6MWD and TUGTT post-CR, the effect size was greater for fast-track subjects. A > 10% difference was noted for several secondary outcomes, mostly in favour of the traditional CR model. In conclusion, this pilot study identifies appropriate methodology to assess equivalence in CR models and suggests that one supervised exercise session may be as effective as two sessions for common outcome measurements.

Lower leg muscle density is independently associated with fall status in community-dwelling older adults.

Muscle density is a risk factor for fractures in older adults; however, its association with falls is not well described. After adjusting for biologically relevant confounding factors, a unit decrease in muscle density was associated with a 17% increase in odds of reporting a fall, independent of functional mobility. Falls are the leading cause of injury, disability, and fractures in older adults. Low muscle density (i.e., caused by muscle adiposity) and functional mobility have been identified as risk factors for incident disability and fractures in older adults; however, it is not known if these are also independently associated with falls. The purpose of this study was to explore the associations of muscle density and functional mobility with fall status. Cross-sectional observational study of 183 men and women aged 60-98years. Descriptive data, including a 12-month fall recall, Timed Up and Go (TUG) test performance, lower leg muscle area, and density. Odds ratio (OR) of being a faller were calculated, adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, general health status, diabetes, and comorbidities. Every mg/cm(3) increase in muscle density (mean 70.2, SD 2.6mg/cm(3)) independently reduced the odds of being a faller by 19% (OR 0.81 [95% CI 0.67 to 0.97]), and every 1s longer TUG test time (mean 9.8, SD 2.6s) independently increased the odds by 17% (OR 1.17 [95% CI 1.01 to 1.37]). When both muscle density and TUG test time were included in the same model, only age (OR 0.93 [95% CI 0.87 to 0.99]) and muscle density (OR 0.83 [95% CI 0.69 to 0.99]) were independently associated with fall status. Muscle density was associated with fall status, independent of functional mobility. Muscle density may compliment functional mobility tests as a biometric outcome for assessing fall risk in well-functioning older adults.

Role of the Timed Up and Go Test in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test is a measure of functional mobility. It is a short test and requires minimal space. We determined the potential role of TUG test as a measure of function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and compared with controls. Furthermore, we wanted to determine the association and reliability of TUG test time to fall history. Patients with COPD (n = 119) and controls with a smoking history (n = 58) were recruited. The TUG test, 6-minute walk distance and subsequent BODE score, spirometry, and history of falls were assessed. The TUG test was measured across observers and on separate days within the same individual. The TUG test time was greater in patients, 11.9 ± 3.7 seconds, than controls, 9.5 ± 1.8 seconds (P < .001). The TUG test was inversely related to 6-minute walk distance in patients (r =-0.74) and controls (r =-0.71); P < .001. In patients, TUG test was related to BODE score (r = 0.53; P < .001) but not spirometry measurements. A receiver operator curve analysis of 0.77 in patients indicated reasonable ability for TUG test to indicate those who had fallen in the past year. A TUG of ≥12 seconds had 74% sensitivity and specificity for a history of a fall in the past year. Inter- and intraobserver values indicated minimal differences between measurements. These results support a potential role for the TUG test to be incorporated into community COPD assessment to stratify patients functionally, particularly where time and space are limited. Future studies are required to assess impact of interventions on TUG test and determine the predictive ability to identify future falls.

Relationship between visual status and functional status and the risk of falls in women. The RAC-OST-POL study.

IntroductionFalls in elderly women producing fractures are a public health problem that could be largely preventable. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of visual impairment on functional status, falls and fractures in women.Material and methodsWe examined 623 women aged ≥ 55 years in order to assess the association between visual status and functional status and the risk of falls and fractures. Distance, near visual acuity, and depth perception were examined. Functional status was assessed using the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) tests. The history of falls in the last 12 months and prior osteoporotic fractures were recorded.ResultsThe mean age of participants was 66.01 ±7.76 years. Distance visual acuity was correlated (r = –0.13, p < 0.0001) with an increased number of falls. The most prognostic fall factor was IADL (Z = 3.19, p < 0.05), which showed a significant association with distance acuity (r = 0.27, p < 0.0001). The TUG test time significantly increased with diminishing visual acuity: 10.6 ±3.1 s for good, 12.8 ±6.1 s for moderate and 15.3 ±8.8 s for poor visual acuity (p < 0.0001, ANOVA 24.4). The IADL also differs significantly (p < 0.0001) in subgroups divided according to visual acuity (23.6 ±1.5, 22.6 ±2.9, 21.2 ±4.8 points, respectively). In multivariate logistic regression on probability of falls including IADL, TUG and visual acuity, IADL was found to be an independent prognostic factor (p = 0.025). The data revealed no association of refractive correction, depth perception, or near visual acuity with fall incidence or history of fractures.ConclusionsVisual acuity influences functional status and number of falls in women aged over 55 years.

Validity and Reliability of a Measurement of Objective Functional Impairment in Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease: The Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test.

There are few objective measures of functional impairment to support clinical decision making in lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD). We present the validation (and reliability measures) of the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. In a prospective, 2-center study, 253 consecutive patients were assessed using the TUG test. A representative cohort of 110 volunteers served as control subjects. The TUG test values were assessed for validity and reliability. The TUG test had excellent intra- (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.97) and interrater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.99), with a standard error of measurement of 0.21 and 0.23 seconds, respectively. The validity of the TUG test was demonstrated by a good correlation with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) back (Pearson's correlation coefficient [PCC]: 0.25) and VAS (PCC: 0.29) leg pain, functional impairment (Roland-Morris Disability Index [PCC: 0.38] and Oswestry Disability Index [PCC: 0.34]), as well as with health-related quality of life (Short Form-12 Mental Component Summary score [PCC: -0.25], Short Form-12 Physical Component Summary score [PCC: -0.32], and EQ-5D [PCC: -0.28]). The upper limit of "normal" was 11.52 seconds. Mild (lower than the 33rd percentile), moderate (33rd to 66th percentiles), and severe objective functional impairment (higher than the 66th percentile) as determined by the TUG test was <13.4 seconds, 13.4 to 18.4 seconds, and >18.4 seconds, respectively. The TUG test is a quick, easy-to-use, valid, and reliable tool to evaluate objective functional impairment in patients with lumbar degenerative disc disease. In the clinical setting, patients scoring a TUG test time of over 12 seconds can be considered to have functional impairment. BMI, body mass indexDDD, degenerative disc diseaseHRQOL, health-related quality of lifeICC, intraclass correlationLDH, lumbar disc herniationLSS, lumbar spinal stenosisODI, Oswestry Disability IndexOFI, objective functional impairmentPCC, Pearson's correlation coefficientPCS, Physical Component SummaryRMDI, Roland-Morris Disability IndexSF, Short FormVAS, visual analog scale.

Timed 360° Turn Test for Assessing People With Chronic Stroke

ObjectivesTo investigate (1) the intrarater, interrater, and test-retest reliability of the timed 360° turn test in subjects with stroke; (2) the concurrent validity of the timed 360° turn test by exploring its correlation with other measures of stroke-specific impairments; and (3) the cutoff times that best discriminate individuals with stroke from healthy older adults. DesignCross-sectional study. SettingUniversity-based rehabilitation center. ParticipantsIndividuals with chronic stroke (n=72) and healthy individuals (n=35) of similar age (N=107). InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresThe timed 360° turn test was administered along with the Fugl-Meyer assessment of the lower extremity, measurement of muscle strength of ankle dorsiflexors and plantarflexors using a handheld dynamometer, Berg Balance Scale, limit of stability test, five times sit-to-stand (FTSTS) test, 10-m walk test, and timed Up and Go (TUG) test. ResultsThe 360° turn times showed excellent intrarater, interrater, and test-retest reliability in individuals with stroke. A minimal detectable change of .76 seconds was found for subjects turning toward the affected side and 1.22 seconds for subjects turning toward the unaffected side. The 360° turn times were found to correlate significantly with Fugl-Meyer assessment of the lower extremity scores, dosiflexor strength of the affected ankle, plantarflexor strength of both ankles, FTSTS test times, balance performance, gait speed, and TUG test times. The 360° turn times of 3.43 to 3.49 seconds were shown to discriminate reliably between individuals with stroke and healthy older adults. ConclusionsThe timed 360° turn test is a reliable and an easily administered clinical tool to assess the turning ability of subjects with chronic stroke.

Timed Up and Go Test: A Reliable and Valid Test in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure

BackgroundThe timed up and go test (TUGT) is a short-duration functional test frequently used in rehabilitation settings as a measure of balance and mobility. Reliability and validity for patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) has yet to be determined. This prospective cohort study aimed to determine test-retest reliability of the TUGT in patients with CHF, relationships between the TUGT and other variables, including functional tests, and predictors of the TUGT. Methods and ResultsThis was a secondary analysis of data collected in a multicenter randomized controlled trial of exercise training in recently hospitalized patients with heart failure (EJECTION-HF). The TUGT was conducted twice at baseline to determine reliability. Assessments were compared with 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), 10-m walk test time, and other clinical variables. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to determine test-retest reliability and correlations for relationships with other variables. A multiple regression was used to identify predictors of the TUGT. In 278 participants (mean age 62 years), the TUGT demonstrated excellent within-day test-retest reliability (ICC 0.93). A shorter (better) TUGT time was associated with longer 6MWD (r = −0.81; P < .001) and shorter 10-m walk test time (rs = 0.80; P < .001). Best predictors of the TUGT were 6MWD and age, which accounted for 66% of the variance. ConclusionsThe TUGT appears to be a reliable and valid functional measurement in patients with CHF.

Validity and Reliability of an Objective Measurement of Functional Impairment in Lumbar Degenerative Spine Disease: The Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG) Test

Background: The indication for surgical treatment of lumbar degenerative spine disease is generally based on patient-related factors such as pain, functional disability, and reduced health-related quality of life (hrQoL) in view of corresponding radiological imaging findings. In addition to subjective scores, objective measures of functional disability may be helpful in the process of clinical decision making. Methods: In a prospective two-center study, functional disability was determined in 253 patients scheduled for lumbar spine surgery and a representative cohort of n = 111 healthy subjects as the control group by a simple objective test, the timed-up-and-go (TUG) test. The TUG test outcome parameter (time in seconds) was correlated to validated subjective measures of pain (visual analogue scale [VAS]), functional disability scores (Oswestry, Roland–Morris, etc.), and hrQoL (Short Form-12, Euro Quol, etc.). Results: The TUG test showed excellent intrarater (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] 0.97) and interrater reliability (ICC 0.99) with a standard error of measurement of 0.21 and 0.23 seconds, respectively. The validity of the TUG test is demonstrated by appropriate relationships with the VAS back (Pearson correlation coefficient [PCC] 0.25) and VAS leg pain (PCC 0.29), functional impairment (Roland–Morris Disability Index [PCC 0.38] and Oswestry Disability Index [PCC 0.34]) as well as with health-related quality of life (SF-12 MCS [PCC −0.25]; SF-12 PCS [PCC −0.32]; and Euro-Qol [PCC-0.28]). The upper limit of normal was determined to be 11.52 seconds. Mild (<33th percentile), moderate (33th to 66th percentile), and severe disability (>66th percentile) as determined by the TUG test were determined as <13.4 seconds, 13.4–18.4 seconds, and >18.4 seconds, respectively. Conclusions: The TUG test is a quick, easy-to-use, valid, and reliable tool to objectively evaluate the functional impairment in patients with degenerative spine disease. Patients in the clinical setting with a TUG test time greater than 12 seconds can be considered to have functional impairment.

Gender Differences in Subjective and Objective Measures for Patients with Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease

Background: It has been observed that gender differences exist for the perception of pain. However, the genetic, biochemical, and developmental reasons behind this phenomenon remain unclear. This work aims to elucidate gender differences in subjective and objective measures of pain, functional disability, and health-related quality of life (hrQoL) in patients with lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD). Methods: In a prospective two-center study, back and leg pain (using the visual analogue scale [VAS]), functional disability scores (Oswestry Disability Index [ODI] and Roland–Morris Disability Index [RMDI]), and hrQoL evaluation (using the EuroQol 5D (Eq. 5D) and Short-Form (SF-12)) were recorded for 253 consecutive patients scheduled for lumbar spine surgery (study group). In addition, objective functional disability was measured using the timed-up-and-go (TUG) test. The same examinations were applied to a healthy cohort of n = 110 subjects (control group). Results: One-hundred thirty-seven patients (46 females) had a microdiscectomy, 80 (42 females) a decompression, and 36 (19 females) a fusion procedure. Female patients were slightly older than male patients (61.0 vs. 56.6 years, p = 0.0306). All other baseline demographic data (body mass index [BMI], smoking status, ASA score, and Charlson comorbidity index [CCI]) were similar in both female and male patients (p > 0.0931). The mean TUG test time was 12.9 seconds in female and 10.1 seconds in male patients (p = 0.0004). Mean VAS back and leg pain was 4.5 and 5.3 in female patients compared with 3.5 and 4.5 in male patients (p = 0.0021 and 0.0246). The ODI was higher in female patients (51.2 vs. 46.3, p = 0.0042) and, correspondingly, the SF-12 PCS lower in female patients (28.8 vs. 31.3, p = 0.0060). All other subjective preoperative measures (RMDI, Eq. 5D, VAS and Eq. 5D Index, and SF-12 MCS) did not differ between female and male patients. In the healthy control group, female subjects took a mean of 1.1 seconds longer than males (6.5 vs. 5.4 seconds, p < 0.0001). There was no difference in the subjective measures between female and male controls subjects. Conclusions: We found significant gender differences in subjective and objective measures of pain intensity, functional disability, and hrQoL in patients with lumbar DDD. Female patients reported higher pain, higher disability, and more reduced hrQoL as compared with male patients. Correspondingly, the TUG test was significantly longer in female patients/controls.

Parallel Walk Test: Its Correlation With Balance and Motor Functions in People With Chronic Stroke

ObjectivesTo investigate (1) the intrarater, interrater, and test-retest reliability of the times and scores generated in the parallel walk test (PWT); (2) their correlations with impairments and activity limitations of individuals with stroke; and (3) the cutoff times that best discriminate individuals with stroke from healthy elderly subjects. DesignCross sectional study. SettingUniversity-based rehabilitation center. ParticipantsParticipants (N=72) comprised individuals with stroke (n=37) and healthy individuals (n=35). InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresThe PWT was administered along with the Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment of the Lower Extremities (FMA-LE), handheld dynamometer measurements of ankle dorsiflexor and plantarflexor muscle strength, the 5-Times-Sit-to-Stand Test, the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), a limits of stability (LOS) test, the 10-m walk test (10-MWT), and the timed Up and Go (TUG) test. ResultsPWT times and scores showed good to excellent intrarater, interrater, and test-retest reliability in individuals with stroke. PWT times using paths of 3 different widths significantly correlated with FMA-LE scores, 5-Times-Sit-to-Stand Test times, BBS scores, some LOS test results, 10-MWT gait speed, and TUG test times. PWT times of 6.30 to 7.48 seconds, depending on the path width, were shown reliably to discriminate individuals with stroke from healthy individuals. ConclusionThe PWT is a reliable, easy-to-administer clinical tool for assessing dynamic walking balance in individuals with chronic stroke.

Influence of bilateral sequential total knee arthroplasty on functional recovery

Background:Main concerns of patients undergoing bilateral surgery is the quantum of pain and the progress of functional recovery. We studied functional recovery in terms of pain, range of motion (ROM), SF12, WOMAC scores and a unique TUG (timed up and go) test for patients undergoing unilateral total knee arthroplasty (U/L-TKA) and sequential bilateral total knee arthroplasty (B/L-TKA).Materials and Methods:Three groups of 77 consecutive patients (91 knees) were retrospectively compared. They were B/L TKA group (28 knees: 14 patients), Unilateral TKA group with contralateral knee nonoperated i.e., U/L-TKA group (42 knees) and Unilateral TKA with contralateral TKA already done i.e., U/L + C/L TKA group (21 knees). Patients were assessed preoperatively and on postoperative days 3, 5, 14, 42, 90 and 1 year.Results:The WOMAC score was statistically better preoperatively in the U/L + C/L TKA group, and SF12 MCS score was statistically better preoperatively in the B/L-TKA group. The TUG test time in the B/L-TKA group was statistically longer on days 3 and 5 as compared to other groups and became comparable by day 14. The TUG score became better than the preoperative value by day 42 in the B/L-TKA group, which took 90 days in other groups.Conclusion:The early functional recovery of bilateral TKA patient lags behind that of unilateral TKA patient for the first 5 days, becomes equal by the 14th day and remains equal till 1 year after surgery. Bilateral TKA patients regain their preoperative functional status by 6 weeks against 3 months for unilateral TKA. The operative status of the contralateral knee makes no difference to early functional recovery after unilateral TKA. With bilateral TKA, there is no difference in pain and ROM parameters.

The Risk Assessment of a Fall in Patients With Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

A prospective case control study. To investigate the risk of a fall by using functional mobility tests in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) via a comparison with patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). LSS is a degenerative arthritic disease in the spine that results in decreasing function, impaired balance, and gait deficit, with increased levels of leg and back pain. This physical impairment may result in an increased risk of fall later in the disease process, as shown in KOA. However, there has been no study regarding the association between the risk of a fall and LSS. The study was an age- and weight-matched case control study consisting of two groups: one group consisting of 40 patients with LSS who were scheduled to undergo spine surgery (LSS group) and the other group consisting of 40 patients with advanced osteoarthritis in both knees, scheduled to undergo TKA on both knees (KOA group). For both groups, four functional mobility tests, such as a Six-Meter-Walk Test (SMT), Sit-to-Stand test (STS), Alternative-Step Test (AST), and Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT), were performed. There was no difference in demographic data between both groups except for body mass index. For the SMT and STS, the patients in the LSS group spent significantly more time performing these tests than the patients in the KOA. For the AST, however, patients in the KOA group presented a statistically worse performance in functional mobility, compared with the LSS group. The mean TUGT time was not statistically different between the two groups. The current study highlights that patients with symptomatic LSS have a risk of a fall comparable with the patients who had degenerative KOA based on the results of functional mobility tests (SMT, STS, AST, and TUGT).

Efficacy of a Whole-Body Vibration Intervention on Functional Performance of Community-Dwelling Older Adults

The objective of this study was to investigate efficacy of a whole-body vibration (WBV) intervention on functional performance of community-dwelling older adults. The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial. The setting was in community centers. There were 37 total subjects (21 women and 16 men) (age 69 +/- 8 years; mean +/- standard deviation). Participants were randomized to a WBV intervention (INT) group and control (CON) group. Whole-body vibration was administered for five 1-minute bouts per session, 3 days per week, for 6 weeks. The CON group was asked not to commence any form of physical training. Functional performance was measured with the timed-up-and-go-test (TUG) and sit-to-stand-test (STS). After WBV, TUG and STS time was less for INT than CON (INT, TUG 7.6 +/- 0.3 seconds, STS 11.9 +/- 2.0 seconds; CON, TUG 8.6 +/- 0.9, STS 13.5 +/- 1.1 seconds; p < 0.05). Within INT, TUG improved 0.9 +/- 0.4 seconds; p = 0.01 and STS improved 3.0 +/- 0.9 seconds; p = 0.05). The efficacy of this WBV intervention was established. Functional performance improvement after WBV may be attributed to a number of biological mechanisms that remain speculative. Further research is required to mechanistically understand the effects of WBV on older adults.